New Delhi: India’s rapid growth in mobile connectivity has expanded access to digital tools in rural areas. As smartphones reach more users, the government is also supporting Digital Literacy among Farmers who do not own mobile devices. It enables these farmers to access digital services through Farmers Producer Organisations, KrishiSakhis, Common Service Centres and state institutions. Digital applications now appear in local languages through integration with Bhashini Platforms, helping farmers understand services more easily.
Expanding services to boost digital literacy among farmers
To strengthen agricultural outcomes, the government is adopting Artificial Intelligence to improve crop productivity, sustainability and farmer livelihoods. One major initiative is “Kisan e-Mitra,” an AI-driven voice-based chatbot designed to help farmers with queries related to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bhima Yojna and Kisan Credit Card. The tool works in 11 regional languages and answers more than 8,000 queries each day. It has already responded to over 93 lakh queries, showing strong engagement from farmers across the country.
AI-driven surveillance is also improving crop protection. The National Pest Surveillance System uses AI and Machine Learning to detect pest-related issues linked to climate change and enables timely action. More than 10,000 extension workers currently use the system. Farmers upload pest images to reduce crop losses. The platform supports 66 crops and 432 pests. In addition, AI-based analytics uses field photographs to support satellite-based crop mapping for monitoring crop–weather conditions.
